Up Close: Meet Roughriders receiver Samuel Emilus
The talented Roughriders receiver won't reveal his superstitions but he does open up about how he got into football growing up in Montreal
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The talented Roughriders receiver won't reveal his superstitions but he does open up about how he got into football growing up in Montreal

Samuel Emilus, a wide receiver for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, is preparing to mark his 28th birthday as the Canadian Football League (CFL) season nears its conclusion. As the team approaches the playoffs, Emilus is concentrating on his contributions to the team with the goal of achieving a Grey Cup victory. His involvement in the Roughriders' offensive strategy is expected to play a role in their pursuit of success.
Emilus's collegiate football career began at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played from 2018 to 2020. He later transferred to Louisiana Tech University in 2021. The Roughriders selected him in the first round of the 2022 CFL draft. Although his initial season involved limited participation, Emilus has since become an active participant, accumulating over 1,000 receiving yards in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Despite experiencing injuries this season, he has regained health and is prepared for the upcoming playoff games.
Reflecting on his introduction to football, Emilus recalls joining a flag football game during a school recess at the age of 14 or 15. Encouragement from classmates led him to try out for the school team. Before focusing on football, Emilus was engaged in soccer, which he began playing at the age of six or seven. Ultimately, he decided to concentrate on football, following his mother's advice to focus on one sport.
Apart from his football career, Emilus has developed a skill for juggling, which he learned in childhood from a physical education teacher. He is currently able to juggle three balls and is working towards mastering four. When it comes to superstitions, Emilus chooses to keep them private to maintain their personal significance.
This season has presented challenges for Emilus due to foot and knee injuries. However, he has successfully recovered and remains optimistic about the team's prospects. In an alternative career path, Emilus once aspired to become a firefighter, a role he admired during his upbringing. His work experience includes positions as a dishwasher, assistant cook, and security guard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among Emilus's memorable football moments is scoring his first touchdown in the CFL, an event that marked a notable point in his career. He emphasizes the importance of having supportive friends and family, noting that a positive support system can significantly impact one's ability to achieve personal goals.
As the Roughriders prepare for their upcoming game against the B.C. Lions, Emilus remains dedicated to contributing to the team's efforts. His journey highlights perseverance and dedication, qualities that have characterized his career. Emilus continues to be motivated by the aspiration to be recognized as a Grey Cup champion as the season progresses.
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